Pneumatic tire casing or shoe.



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. VEE.T-ENTED SEPT. 3, 190'?.4 E. K. BAKER & C. G. HAWLEY. PNEUMATIG TIRE MSIEGV 0E SHOE.

A APPLIOATIONFILED MAY 1a, 1907. v

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UNITED sfrrirnsv VAentrarci?v OFFICE? y ERLE K. BAKER AND CHARLES GILBERT OF CHI-CAGO,- ILLINOIS'.

PNEUMATIG TIRE CASING OR SHOE.

No.A 865,326.y

Specification of Letters Patent. y

l Patented sept.; 3', 1907.

imitations@ Msyiai'gov. stralingantenay Beit known-that We, EnLn K. BAKER and U-irARLns and use the same.

Ourinvention relates to improvements in pneumatic tire 'shoes or casings, and has special reference to improvements in the form and construction of the i base portions or inner peripheries of such articles.

The primary object of ,our present invention is to improve the construction or make-upof pneumatic tire casings or shoes with a view to increasing the lifel or wearing qualities thereof and also with a view` to increasing their efficiency when in use.

The particular object of the invention is to im prove the .construction of the base portions or inner flanges ot' pneumatic tire casing, to the end that the tearing or blowing out thereof shall be prevented7 and with a further view to adapting the casing or shoe to more` closely bind itself upon a wheel rim when inflated.

A further special object of our invention is to provide an improved pneumatic tire casing or shoe that shall be particularly adapted for use upon wheels which are equipped with so-called detachable rims.

Another object of the invention is to provide a and which, notwithstanding its special form and With these objects in view, our invention consists' generallyin a pneumatic tire casing or shoe which is provided with inwardly extending base flanges, in combination with inelastic non-stretchable rings or endless faibles embedded in said flanges, upon the numerous layers of friction. cloth or fabric, therein constituting l portions of 4the casing.

Our invention also consists'in varionsnovel features constructions, and combinations of parts, all as hereinafter described and particularly pointed out in. the

claims. I v

Our invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part Y i of this specification, and in which Figure 1 is a side view of a wheel rim equipped with a tire casing or shoe embodying our invention, portions being broken away to better illustrate details of construction;-Fig.` 2, isjanenlarged cross section of our ,i

novel tire-casing or shoe5-l `ig- 3, is a similar` cross section of the base portions of the 4tire showing the same mounted uponthe wheel rim, as upon the'line X--X of'Fig. l enlarged. 'i i In these drawings we in the form which we consider thebest. l `lt should be remarked, however, that the form or construction which we prefer may be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the invention, which, therefore, is not confinedA to the specific details or forms herein shown. i

This tire-casing or shoe when finished and ready for use is a unit or unitary structure; that1is,'its parts are so completely united by vulcanizationthat they can- Inake-up of the' tire it is necessary to refer to the several portions thereof as though they 'were separate, but it should be borne in mind that thisis not the ease as all of the parts are'substantially integral,` `even the ycloth and metal being Vfirmly united by the vulcanized rubber portions.V l A l .V v c. The portion of the tire which is'of the largest diameter, is the tread portion7 and the portionswhich are of the smallest diameter are the base portions, beads or flanges, these being'connected to the tread'portion, by. the thinner side portions. The base portions o the tire casing are held upon the rim of the wheel when in use, as shown in Figs. l and 3.

`Our tire casing, or tire, has two base portions, AHangers, or feet so-called, which extendv inwardly. and meet on the central or middle plane. f These base portions areo a thickness preferably exceedingthe height ofthe flanges on the wheel rirn, as indicated .in Fig. '3. In each base portion we place or embed an endless metallic cable or ring, d. All ofthe courses'or layers of friction cloth pass beneath vthese rings or cables,l and the edges of the pieces of cloth are folded and formed in such manner as to make thick incompressible edges I usual in tire casings and they areinelastic and non- 100 .'-'.retchable. They are of greater diameter' than the wheel rim, but are preferably of considerably less A diameter than the rim flanges, f. It will'ybe obvious, therefore` that when the casing has been set upon the rim in the manner shown in Figs. l and 3.it cannot be 105. displaced by internal pressure or by sidel shocks. as the metallic rings cannot be forced over the flanges, and therefore absolutely [nevcnt such stretching of the buse portions as would p'erniit Iheifn to` pass over lhc riin Hanges. In this manner we accomplish the first 110 have shown` ourI invention V not easily, if at all, be separated. I n describing the object ef our invention, namely. the pi'odu'ctionof a tire casing, which, after being placed upon the Wheel, cannot and will not be removed therefrom by any of -the forces to which it is subjected in use.

As explained and as shown, the endless rings or cables are embedded and vulcanized in the baseportions of our casing and cannot shift or move therein. The casing is made to fit the wheel rim snugly, but may be easily pushed off or onto the rim in the absence of one of the flanges. When thel absent flange is replaced upon the rim and fastened thereon it operates to force the base portions of the casing together, and the latter being provided with flexible annular` lips are driven together in such manner as to effectually close the joint between the hase portions. This joint isfurther/closed when the tire is inflated and if desired'may be dependedupon to hold the compressed air, though we prefer to always use an inner tube (not shown) in our casing'. The inner edges of the base portions, being principally composedof friction cloth and suitable fillers, are practically inextensible and non-compressible, but they are. nevertheless, sufficiently contra-ctible to be forced together and to hug the rim when subjected to the interna-l pressure of the inner tube. The -combined effects of the hug or gripping of the rim in this manner, made particularly effective by the holding rings or cables, and the effect of the outward pressure of the-base portions against the wheel flanges. effectually prevent the slipping of the inflated casing on the wheel rim, and this being obviated, what is called "rim cutting7 is prevented. Thus the further objects of our invention are attained.

In connection with the subject matter of the next preceding paragraph 'attention is directed to the fact that the base portions of our rim are, as a rule, thicker' is deflated the sides thereof can at no time be forced or Furthermore,` it will Crushed against the said flanges. be noted that the base portions of our casing are faced with soft rubber which forms a bed for the tread portion of the casing, when deflated. We desire also that notice be taken of the fact that the sides of our casing` so to speak, )ring or work from the points between the wheel flan :1nd the contained vmetal rings and there are no snr, o turns or hinge portions which are subjected to flexure. 'The side portions ofthe fasing may bend down close to the flanges, but will rarely, if ever,

strikev the edges thereof; and Wearing, or attritionall 4cause accurate descriptions of several sections of theA casing, taken .1t different points, require the use of opposite teru's, it is somewhat difficult to clearly set forth the form and make-up of the article except the lmethod or process of making the tire casing be also described and exccptua definite section of the article be selected as representative of the whole. rlo this end we have represented by dotted lines in Fig. 2 the tire inold'whereon the parts are assembled and will hereinafter make references to a section of the tire or casing (Fig. 2) taken at. its top, as on the line X-X of Fig. 1. And, in referring to the drawings, and for their relative positions or directions with respect to the wheel rim and the inner periphery of the casing, We shall refer to the directionaway from' the wheel rim as upward; to the direction toward the rim asi-down`n ward; to the direction toward the central plane as inward; and, to ,the opposite direction as outward. These tel-irs are strictly appropriate only to a section of the casing taken at the top thereof but they will nevertheless serve the same lpurpose in indicating pointsvor directionsin any other cross-section of the endless or annular tire casing or shoe.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 2;--A, represents the circular inner portion or core part of the tire mold.` y

C, 4represents the central or mid portion of the mold and, B, B, the two outer sections of themold.

The bottoni or :inner periphery of the core, A, Contains/ a groove which receives the edge of the mid portion, C. Only part of the V shaped groove is occupied by the member C and the edges of the latter are chamfered or beveled, the 'two parts presenting converging walls for the formation of the flexible lips, c3, before referred to. The inner periphery, A, of the core and the annular surfaces or peripheries, BQ of the mold sections, l5, B, are separated by considerable spaces, separated by the mid section, C, and wherein the base portions of the tire or lcasing are vulcanized and given shape. `With the exception of the wide V-shaped groove, the bottom surface, A', ,of the core is flat; the core, however, being rounded at the corners or edges, as at, c2, so that the soft rubber is made to merge propcrly with the inner course or layerof fabric, sharp angled junctions being avoided. yIt will be noted that' the cables or rings l occupy -positions substantially equidistant from adjacent side and bottoni Walls of the respecti ve mold parts B, and likewise' are substantially equi-distant between the surfaces A, and Bf. The locations shown'arepreferred but may be changed within reasonable limits according to the detailed make-up` of the base portions. The outer sections of the mold are applied and bolted 'in place only after the structure has been built up on the core A and the mid section C, that is, vjust. before' the raw casing or tire is placed in the vulcanizer. The Wrappings used for forming the tread portion are Wrapped on over the tire and the mold iu the usual manner, or, an outer tread molding section may be substituted for the Wrappings.`

Having defined the nature, positions and parts of fullyy understand the manner of carrying the inven-l tion into effect. The midsection Cof the mold may be integral with the core A, if'desired, but we find it better when separate, as by removing it the stripping of the completed, vulcanized casing from the core is facilitated. For like reasons we form the core and the mid piece 'in sections.` Thercloth which we use in our casing is the .so-called friction cloth, which is wellknown inthe art, being fabric which is in ipregnated with rubber. When rubber is mentioned herein the word is intended to define a gutta percha composition' or equivalent material.' The first actin `building up our tire consistsin applyinga. strip, 6, of friction cloth 1`l5 our novel casing We will vnow describe the manner -of constructing the same', in order that others may to the bottom or base ofthe core, thestrip being wider vsoft rubber fillers, c1, are placed on the bottom of the mold, and the cloth is pressed down upon the same. The soft rubber fillers from which the lips c3 are formed are then pressed into place uponxthe fabric, 6, Whereupon the tiremakcris ready to place the endlessV cables 'or rings, d, upon the mold. These rings are placed within the ririg or collar formed by the strip of fabric,

6, and the edges of said strip are crimped down over and around the cables or rings, d, as wellshown in Figs. 2 and 3.y Before the cables are placed, they are thickly coated with rubber, and the folded or crimped fabric holds them firmly enough to permit-them ain layers or courses of fabric to be laid and formed thereon with ease and rapidity, and without detrixnentally displacing the cables.

Little difficulty attends the temporary fastening of the cables to the core, a, but we find it better to loosely hold them in place by means of the strips of fabric, (i, thereby allowing the rings or cables to shift or float slightly with respect to the core, while the main courses of fabric are being formed into place between the cables and the mid piece, C. It is also easier to force the fill- `ing material, e, into the folds or loops of the main layers ofcanvas when the rings d, arelfree to move, and no harm results from the temporary displacement of the rings, for the reason-that all parts of the'base portionsi'are forced into their proper places when the outer sections, B, B, of the mold are driven on-and bolted against the mid-piece or ring, G. 4It may here be mentioned that 'the strips of fabric,` 6, serve fourpurposcs; first, they temporarily hold the metal rings or cables, in the manner explained ;-.seeond, the strips, (i, permanently in close the cables, helping to hold the saine and relieving the main layers or courses of fabric from any possible abrasion thercbyg-tli'ird, the strips, G, traverse the spaces above or outside of thecables and prevent the disruption of the masses of rubber therein ,-and fourth, the inner edges of the strips, (i, effectuallv strengthen l the flexible lips, c3, and prevent the tearing thereof by the'workmens mold stripping tools or when inner tubes are being placed in or taken from the casing. When the mid strip has been removed and before thc tire is taken from thecore, the strip, 6, may .be severed into two parts by a lsingle eut, leaving the edges 'to project in Fig. 2, or the edges may be trimmed off short as shown in Fig. 3. In either case, firm, fine edges C are formed on the joint closing lips, i

, We have herein referred to the cables as being of metal, but other non-stretchable material may be substituted. We much prefer a solidmetal ring, or a metal cable composed of heavy strands as in Figs. 2 and 3, and the cable is considered best because it is slightly more flexible in lateral directions and because the rubber 'Works between the strands and more firmly unites the cables with their cloth inclosurcsor envelops. When the strip, 6, the rubber fillers, and the cables have been applied to the mold in the inannerexplained the first course or layer of fabric, l, is stretched on the mold core A, and its edges are folded inwardly around the respec tive cables. The edges are carried up to points above the cables and thence across to the mid strip, C, and

thence down alongside the mid strip, where they are left temporarily. The other courses or layers, usually four in number, (indicated by numerals 2, 3, 4, 5) are then applied `in like manner and are pressed firmly into `engagement'with the folds or loop portions of the first layer. All are temporarily laid against the mid piece,

C, untirthe fillers e, are forced into the folds or loops betweenthe cables and the mid strip. These fillers may be made of hard rubber or of rope orof folded pieces of ploth, and when they have been placed the edges of the layers, 1 to 5 are folded across them. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, we prefer that the edges of the three outer layers, 3, 4, and 5, shall simply extend across the fillers,

whereas, layer No. 2 is carried outward and upward to.

substantially the height of the rim flanges, and the edges of the first or inner layer, l, are carried 'up on the outside to higher points, for the purpose of strengthening the lower parts of the side, b, .of the casing. When thus far completed the structure isfready for the appli- 'cation of the rubber coating or envelop. This, according to the best practice is built up of' relatively thin layers of slightly vulcanized rubber, many thereof be: ing pressed or rolled into place to form the thick tread portion, a, and the interference strips, 7, being applied between the courses in the usual manner. Wc prefer to carry the side sheets, b, of rubber down to the buse flanges to form the neat corners or angles, c. at thc base, as shown in Fig. 2. rlhe crude or raw casing or shoe is now ready for vulcanizing and the outer mold parts, l5, havingbeen fastened into place the wrappings are ap plied and the whole placed in the vulcanizer. When removed from the vulcanizer the wrappings and the mold sections, B, B, aretahen off, and the parting or mid strip, C, is disengaged and removed, after which the strip, G, is severed with a knife, whereupon the tire may be readily stripped off the core. lt is then ready for use.

In Fig. 3, we have shown our tire mounted upon a rim which is especially adapted to receive it.. This comprises a flat' rim, g, on the felly, i', together with two flange rings, f, and bolts, L, which pass through the rings, f. Each :bolt has a head, hf, and a nut, It, and the bolts pass through notches provided tlicrcfor in the folly, engaging the inner side of thc rim, f for sake of rigidity.

Having thus described our invention We claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentzl. A lil-ceasing' provided with inwardly extending buse portions which moet. at their inner edges and have endless metal rings embedded in their outer ports and coperaling fillers embedded in their inner parts, substantially as described.

2. A tire casing having inwardly extending base por-a ber of layers of fabric, anda covering.,r of rubber, and

`of a plurality of strands ot' non-siretchabie material, subtread portion, sides, and inwardly extending base portions having flexible lips and separate strips of fabric embedded being carried downwai lneath saidrings in respective base portions, rising at the passing beneath said rings and having their edges formed I into substantially incompressible thickened portions to coact with said rings, the whole being vulcanized, snbstantially as described.

An article of the classl mentioned comprising a numformed with inwardly extending base portions the edges ot' said layers being wrapped about suitable llers in said base portions and therewith forming substantially incompressible inner edges for said base portions, and endless rings of less diameter 'than said inner edges embedded in the outer parts of said base portions, and each composed staniially .as described.

G. A11 article of the class described comprising a num` ber of layers or courses of Efabric, in combination with endless metal rings, ring-like iillers parallel with respec tive rings, the edges of the fabric being carried downward and upward around said metaly rings, and thence inward, downward and outward around respective fillers, rubber iillers enveloping said rings. a covering oi. rubber toi-mini.la tread portion, the Whole vulcanized and comprisingl a unitary structure, substantially as described.

7. A tire casing having thick inwardly extending base portions or flanges, endless metal rings embedded in the outer parts of respective base portions, respective. coiiperating fillers in the inner parts of said base portions the inner'edges of said base portions being provided with flexible joint closing lips, and the whole constituting n unitary structure, substantially as described.

8.4 A tire casing comprising a number oi layers or courses of fabric, and a covering of rubber forming a in said lips, as and for the purpose speciiied.

tlf/i tire aging comprising a -number ofv layers or courses ot fabric,v metal rings, the edges ofv said layers 'kfand thence inward and upward around said rings, separate 'pieces of fabric closing thl spaces above said rings, vand suitable fillers and coverings, the whole vulcanized and-forming a2 unitary structure, substantially as described.

10. A tire casing or shoe comprising a number of layers of fabric, and a covering of rubber, and formed with 'inwardlyv extending base portions, and endless metal ring.4 embedded in said base portions said layers passing beinner sides thereof and formed into substantially incompressible inner edges, substantially as described.

11. A t'irc casini: or shoe comprising a number of layersof fabric together with endless metal rings and a covering ot' rubber, and formed with inwardly extending base portions, saidlaycrs passing beneath said rings in respective base portions, rising at the inner sides thereof, and inaking th edges oi' the base portions sul lntially incompressiblc, and separate piect oi fabri en' (ping said rings and embedded in respective baseportions,'substantially as described`-` asingrcompi ng aJpiurality ot' layers or courses of fabric; and 'au covering of rubber, said casing i edges extended outwardly and upwardly at the outer sides of the casing, the whole being vulcanized and constituting a unitary structure, substantiallyas described.

lit. A' tire casing comprisingl iillers, c1, strips of fabric,

(i, (i, endless metal rings enveloped bythe edges of respective strips, a plurality of courses or layers of fabric, a tread portion and covering of rubber, the edges of said layers ot' fabric beingpassed downwardly beneatll said rings and bent upwardly and inwardly, forming incompressible base edges. and the whole being vulcanized and constitutingl a unitary structure, substantially as de scribed.

14. A tire casing or shoe, comprising a plurality of layers orconrses of i'abric, in combination with endless metal rings, ring-like iillers parallel with respective rings, the edges ot' the layers of fabric being carried downward and inwardly beneath said rings and'thence upwardly and downwardly around said fillers, separate strips of fabric extending inwardly from said rings and therewith embedded in sift rubber, the whole beingvulcanized and comprisingl a unitary structure, substantially as described.

1f. A tire casing or shoe, comprising aplurality of 1ayers of fabric and the edges of which are formed into inwardly extending base portions, together with endless metal rings embeddedin said base portions, said layers passing beneath the rings in respective base portions, rising at the inner sides thereof and making the inner edgesot said base portions substantially incompressible, inwardly extending lips of rubber projecting from said inner edges of thc base portions and separate pieces of fabric embedded in said lips, the whole being vulcanized and forming a unitary structure', substantially as described.

lt. A tire casing or shoe, comprising a plurality of lay-` ers ot fabric and a covering of rubber, the'edges of sa'id layers of fabric being,r formed into inwardly extending base portions or ilan`ges, endless metal cables embedded in respective base portions, the edges of said layers of fabric being passed downwardly beneath respective cables and thence upwardly at the inner sides thereof and thence downwardly, iillers coperating.; with the edges ot' the layers io ferm substantially incompressible inner edges for said base portions and separate strips of canvas coveiing said cables and extending therefrom to the'inner edges of the base portions, the whole being vulcanized and forming a unitary structure.

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this 4th day of May, 1907, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

M. SIMON, A. W. NELSON. 

